The popular Tesla Model 3 has been refreshed in time for a Malaysian launch THIS YEAR.
After 6 years and more than 2 million units sold, the Tesla Model 3 has been given an extensive redesign and it will be delivered to Malaysian customers by the end of 2023! The American brand has been working on ‘Project Highland’ behind the scenes and may have initially wanted to sell this car in Malaysia first. Instead, the brand launch in Malaysia back in July came with the launch of the Model Y with deliveries expected in Q1 2024. Perhaps launching the crossover first was necessary as it would sway buyers away from rivals earlier while also allowing to keep the new Model 3 design under wraps for longer.
The Model 3 will be available in Malaysia as the RWD model for RM189,000 or the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive model for RM218,000. Configure yours online here.
The Model 3 redesign is not a fully model change but looks to be a little bit more extensive than your typical mid-life cycle facelift. Tesla also says that they’ve change more than 50% of the parts with noticeable improvements to the aerodynamics that reduce drag and wind noise while extending its range.
Starting at the front we see a new headlight design that is slimmer and more horizontal with a new LED daytime running light shape. The new look takes inspiration from the second generation Tesla Roadster, which has still not seen the light of day since being announced in 2017. The new look is more chiselled and shows evidence that there have been changes to the metalwork, which is rare in the industry for regular ‘facelifts’. The front end still does not feature a grille but there is a small air intake at the bottom still. The light cluster on the front bumper has been deleted for a more cleaner look though to our eye the new Model 3 looks very generic, akin to something from one of the many, many Chinese EV brands.
The side profile of the vehicle looks to be the least changed. It’s still very much the same recognizable Model 3 shape. That being said, the rim design is new and we might see a whole range of new rim designs coming too. Around back we see some changes starting with the shape of the taillamp clusters. They are now C-shaped. The Tesla logo has been removed and in its place, the brand name is spelled out. Again, these are changes that the industry at large have already adopted, especially in China. It makes the Model 3 look a little less iconic but definitely more modernised. Thanks to the changes, the new Model 3 is longer bumper to bumper by an inch (complete length: 4,720mm) while being very slightly shorter with less ground clearance too.
Tesla is also adding two new colours – Ultra Red and Stealth Gray.
In terms of specifications, expect an increase in range of more than 10% on standard and long range variants. The WLTP range is now 513km and 629km respectively. That being said, other performance figures are unchanged.
The interior has also been redesigned. There’s a new wraparound design with aluminium and fabric inlays, new ambient lighting, better soundproofing. The 15.4″ screen has slimmer bezels, there’s a new 8″ rear display, new steering mounted controls that replace the column controls. The sound system on the Long Range model has been upgraded to a 17-speakers with 2 subwoofers and 2 amplifiers. The microphone has been improved too.
